Keeping ahead of the competition requires a dedicated team of experts and investment in both manufacturing facilities as well as research and development (R&D). In Wexford, this formula has enabled the manufacturing site to remain at the forefront of pump technology as well supporting industry with products for aeration and agitation. After 50 years, Sulzer’s plant continues to deliver some of the most efficient and reliable products available to customers around the world. 

In fact, after covering national demand, 97 percent of the equipment manufactured in the Wexford plant goes for export, mainly to Europe and North America. In support of this, the personnel also provide extensive research and development work for other Sulzer sites as well as technical assistance for customer projects. 

Brendan Sinnott, managing director at Sulzer’s Wexford plant, explains: “The innovation and commitment to excellence in this plant has been well-recognized and we have managed to secure repeated investments that enable us to complete many research and development projects. Now that we have expanded our offering to include Sulzer’s grinder range in Wexford, we will be supplying these market-leading products all over the world as well.”

Successive management teams have invested in the site to expand product lines and introduce modern processes, such as robot painting facilities. In addition, the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) of Ireland has supported expansion, training and R&D programs at the site. More recent investments are aimed at meeting sustainability goals in the manufacturing facility and looking to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

In addition to its extensive global customer base, there are still many opportunities for Sulzer products in the domestic market and the company continues to increase sales across the board. The increased sales of the JWC range of grinders, for example, has meant that the European manufacturing base has moved to the Wexford plant where a lean manufacturing approach has made the integration of the additional product line possible.

Sulzer is renowned for its market-leading pump products and many of those designed for the wastewater industry are manufactured in Wexford. In addition, more recent investment has brought other important products to the site including aeration products for wastewater treatment and dewatering pump ranges designed for mining and civil engineering projects. 

Brendan concludes: “We have developed market-leading products that are exported around the world, all thanks to our outstanding workforce and the investments that have enabled us to continue innovating. At a time when energy costs are so high, our laser focus on efficiency is allowing customers to reduce operating costs and achieve more of their sustainability goals.”